(INDIANAPOLIS) - More than 100 Indiana National Guard soldiers and airmen have been ordered out to assist across the state in area coping with up to a foot of blowing snow.

Guard officials say that number includes 40 soldiers who will help police officers and other emergency services to evacuate stranded motorists and shut-ins, and others who will assist emergency personnel with life support and staging operations.

The units are under the direction of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Guardsmen were deployed Wednesday in Terre Haute, Vincennes, Evansville, Indianapolis, Muncie and Richmond. The Guard says troops are ready to help officials in New Albany if needed.

Police around the state are reporting a rash of slide-offs and accidents as many highways are snow covered.